The National Hockey League (NHL) is comprised of 32 teams, each with its own unique traditions and histories that draw in fans from across the globe. But how to choose which team to see live and what games to attend? Whether it’s quirkiness or sheer spectacle, the NHL certainly has you covered. This handy guide highlights just 5 of the league’s franchises and briefly explains why they might make a great choice of live viewing for both NHL newbies and ice hockey aficionados.
- Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise
- Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place, Edmonton
- Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
- New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden, New York
- Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise
Where else to start than with the defending champions?
Historically, the Panthers started playing in the NHL in the 1993-94 season and found success by setting the record for the most points by an expansion team in their first season. In 1996, the Panthers reached the Stanley Cup Final but were beaten by the Colorado Avalanche, and from then, they struggled until 2022 when they won their first playoff series in 20 years. They reached the final in 2023 but were beaten by the Vegas Golden Knights, only to return the following season to get their hands on the trophy.
Considering the Panthers’ form in recent seasons – having lifted the Stanley Cup at the end of the 2023-24 campaign in a thrilling 7-game final series against the Oilers, and continuing to do well this season – as well as the fact they are one of the best value home teams to see live, the Floridian side are one not to be sniffed at. Despite inevitably losing players as free agents in the summer, entertaining stars like Aleksander “Sasha” Barkov make the Cats a great team to see on the ice.
You can find Florida Panthers ticket and schedule information here.
Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place, Edmonton
Edmonton Oilers have had a very successful history having lifted the Stanley Cup 5 times between 1983 and 1990. We can’t mention the Oilers without talking about Wayne “the Great One” Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time. After years of smashing records with the Oilers, Gretzky was sold to the Los Angeles Kings in a deal that became known as “The Trade”, and it upset Canadians so much that the New Democratic Party House Leader tried to block it. Edmonton’s love of Gretzky is cemented by the iconic statue that was erected outside the old Northlands Coliseum and later moved to the franchise’s new home at Rogers Place.
Despite not winning the Stanley Cup since 1990, recent seasons have seen success for the team too. The Oilers were the Panthers’ opponent in the thrilling 7-game series at the conclusion of last season and they have some of the best current players in the world including talisman Connor McDavid.
You can find Edmonton Oilers ticket and schedule information here.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
The Maple Leafs are one of the oldest teams in the NHL and the franchise has won an amazing 13 Stanley Cups. Their home rink at Scotiabank Arena can get pretty loud when things are going their way on the ice. While you’re visiting Toronto to see a game, you can have a look around the Hockey Hall of Fame as well!
Unlike their historic rivals, the Montreal Canadiens – whose atmosphere at Centre Bell is worth an honourable mention in this guide – the Maple Leafs have had strong regular season form lately. Despite this, the team struggled in the playoffs with only 1 postseason series win in the past 20 years, with 6 Game 7 losses in a row. Having said that, the coaching staff have been shuffled around a bit prior to the beginning of this season, and the Maple Leafs have been enjoying a strong start.
You can find Toronto Maple Leafs ticket and schedule information here.
New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden, New York
As one of the “Original 6” and one of the teams based in the Big Apple, the New York Rangers have always had a certain draw to them. The side has won 4 Stanley Cups including 3 very early ones in the 1920s and 1930s as well as the most recent championship win in 1993-94. The Rangers have had their fair share of hockey greats; the most famous is perhaps Swedish goaltender, Henrik Lundqvist who played his whole 15-season NHL career with the franchise.
The Rangers have reached the playoffs 4 times in the last 5 seasons. In the 2023-24 season, they reached the Eastern Conference Final and were knocked out by the ultimate champions, the Florida Panthers.
Seeing live sport or music at Madison Square Garden – with its 28’ x 57’ scoreboard and the iconic Chase Bridge catwalks crossing over centre ice – is usually on any fan’s bucket list: why not tick it off yours?!
You can find New York Rangers ticket and schedule information here.
Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
The Golden Knights are one of the younger franchises in the league, but when Vegas joined the league in the 2017-18 season, they surpassed the Panthers’ record for most points by an expansion team in their inaugural season. In fact, the Golden Knights have reached the playoffs in 6 out of the 7 seasons that they have existed in the NHL, and in 2022-23, they lifted the Stanley Cup after beating the Panthers 4-1.
Although the franchise inevitably lost a few influential players after the cup win, the team is doing well this season and is still very enjoyable to watch live.
If for no other reason, see the Golden Knights for the pregame shows at T-Mobile Arena – usually featuring skating knights, a parade, and light spectacles – which are some of the best in the league. The arena is often voted top for fan experience. Plus, you’re in Vegas!
You can find Vegas Golden Knights ticket and schedule information here.